Julián Álvarez has returned to full training with the rest of the Atlético Madrid squad and is expected to be available to face Real Madrid this Sunday at the Metropolitano, particularly important news for a Rojiblancos side that will need all of its attacking weapons for the first major derby of the season.
Julián Álvarez Is Ready to Face Real Madrid in the Derby
Diego Simeone is getting one of his most important players back just in time for the match nobody wants to miss.
The Argentine had missed the team's latest matches after suffering a muscular overload in his quadriceps. Tests ruled out a more serious injury, and the objective from the beginning was to have him back for the clash against José Mourinho’s team.
That plan appears to have worked.
According to Marca, Julián completed the first training session ahead of the derby alongside the rest of the squad and, barring any last-minute discomfort, will be available to Simeone.
Julián Álvarez Returns Just in Time for the Derby
Getting the Argentine back changes the attacking options available to Atlético Madrid.
Julián remains one of the key figures in the Rojiblancos' project, and his return comes against a Real Madrid side that will arrive at the Metropolitano ahead of its city rival in the LaLiga standings.
The striker also knows exactly what it means to score in this fixture.
In September 2025, Julián Álvarez scored twice in Atlético Madrid’s spectacular 5-2 victory over Real Madrid, one of his best performances since arriving in Spanish soccer.
Now, he will have another opportunity to play a starring role in the derby.
Sørloth and Barrios Have Yet to Return
Not all the news is positive for Simeone.
Alexander Sørloth and Pablo Barrios did not train with the group on Friday, and their chances of being available for the match appear considerably slimmer. Both players are still recovering from muscular problems.
Sørloth’s absence makes Julián’s return even more important, although Simeone now has another alternative after Jonathan David recently opened his scoring account in the Rojiblancos shirt.
The Canadian arrived to increase competition in attack, but getting Julián Álvarez back for a match of this magnitude means something different.
Atlético Madrid needed its striker for the derby.
And Julián has made it back in time.
